Jul
12
2016
The Wedding By The Lake
Posted in Marriage 4 Comments
It began the night before.
We all arrived at the wedding venue which was a rustic, working farm.
Beauty was everywhere I looked.
Wildflowers lined the paths; wooden fences and gates added the perfect backdrop.
There were horses, chickens, and even a large pig on the farm.
It was raining as we drove there.
The rehearsal was held in the barn; the pastor making do with the the temporary location.
Reality set in as I watched my son and his future wife prepare for the next day.
The bridesmaids and groomsmen were happy to stand with this precious couple.
The father of the bride would be giving his daughter away.
He knew the seriousness of what he was about to do.
He knew the young man to whom he was giving his daughter and he was pleased.
I looked at my husband across the wide-planked barn floor.
He had just given away our daughter two weeks before.
He knew; he remembered.
However, this was our son; he was the one to whom the bride would be given.
And it would be good, just as God intended.
Our son and his bride met at college in their sophomore year.
She noticed that he had the same backpack.
She told him so, admitting to us much later that she really wanted to meet him.
They both share a love of worship.
He the musician who plays drums and guitar; she the singer who sings with her heart.
God would use them together to lead worship from time to time.
They discovered quite early that they had so much in common.
They were faithfully single, remaining pure until marriage.
It was not easy, but they each had a testimony to uphold.
A testimony that mattered to them because it mattered to God.
They honored God and their parents well.
As parents of the groom, we hosted the rehearsal dinner.
We had our dinner at a restaurant that was once a fully operating firehouse.
It is the oldest firehouse in the city of Harrisburg and the second oldest in Pennsylvania.
The bridal party and guests, along with parents and siblings, enjoyed each other all evening.
My husband welcomed everyone and had a small speech prepared.
I listened as he affirmed our son as a man; a man who knows what he wants and goes after it.
Our son knew quite early that this young woman was the one he wanted to marry.
He never wavered in his commitment; he protected the purity and reputation of his future wife.
The day finally came.
We arrived at the venue, which was decorated so sweetly.
Old window panes were laying against the fence; each pane listed the guests at each table.
A wheelbarrow for gifts, chalkboards with Scripture, and a Bible to highlight your favorite verse.
The barn was decorated with round tables and red chairs.
White lights were strung from the ceiling and candles lined the main beam.
A rooster crowed in the distance.
Sunflowers turned their faces towards the sun.
One of the bridesmaids told me that my precious daughter-in-law wanted me to see her.
That is usually not customary for the mother of the groom and I was touched.
I went into the old house and saw her bridesmaids going into the room to see the bride.
I waited and then was summoned again.
I walked in and saw the woman my son loves, looking so beautiful, her arms extended to me.
I hugged her, whispering things that she already knew but that needed to be said again.
My daughter-in-love who in a matter of minutes would be the wife of my son.
I saw the wreath of greenery in her hair and the short veil attached; I thought of another Bride.
We all walked down the path that would become the aisle.
The people were gathered on wooden chairs and benches made out of logs.
I looked at the arbor that was made of white birch branches; wisps of tulle were draped around.
Two gorgeous bouquets of flowers were placed on top of the arbor.
And then I saw the lake.
We all faced the most beautiful lake on which swam families of ducks.
The rolling hills of Pennsylvania were the backdrop; the trees around us became a canopy.
There was a barrel under the arbor on which were placed the elements of bread and wine.
My son and his groomsmen walked to their places.
My other son, his brother, was his best man.
One by one the bridesmaids walked down the mulched aisle.
And then she appeared on the arm of her father.
I turned to look at my son and saw that he was wiping away tears of joy from his eyes.
He was so delighted with the woman God had given to him.
This is the one whom his soul loves.
This is the one for whom he faithfully waited.
Innocence and purity were displayed beneath the canopy of trees.
A pastor, who has known them throughout their relationship, waited under the arbor.
Their love was evident to everyone.
This was the day that the Lord had made, and it was very good.
Vows were said, promises were made, and rings were exchanged.
They each knew that they were making more than a promise.
They were covenanting together before God and witnesses.
A covenant to remain together through all of life’s circumstances, as the pastor reminded them.
We who have been married for a while knew all that those words encompassed.
And it will be good.
And they will find their way.
And God will be with them.
Their first act as a married couple was to share the Lord’s Supper together.
A round loaf of bread was broken and handed to my son, who gave a piece to his wife.
She took the loaf and gave a piece to her husband.
They did the same with the grape juice that was the wine.
And then they had a private moment of prayer.
They stood, eyes closed, arms around each other and included the most important Person.
They stood, husband and wife, knowing that apart from Him they can do nothing.
And it was very good.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7,8)
I looked at the lake.
I looked at the canopy of trees.
I looked at the lush foliage.
And I knew.
And it is very good.
So endearing, Gina. Having known the bride her whole life, and knowing her deep love for the Lord, it warms my heart to know you value her and love her for all that she is, and all that she brings to this marriage – pure, genuine love for your son. Count your blessings that you have her as a “daughter in love “, as you so sweetly called her. Brian is a wonderful man, and together there is no doubt they will have a full and blessed life.
Barbara,
I am sure that all of us who know and love this precious couple will continue to pray for them. How blessed they are to have such love and prayer support to uphold them. It was such a delight to meet you and your husband. I look forward to the next celebration.
Gina
(copied with permission from a personal text message)
Thank you, Gina, for allowing me to relive this holy day from your beautiful perspective! Tears come again & much joy! Indeed it is VERY GOOD.
Ann
Ann,
You and I, as mothers of the bride and the groom, had a front row seat to all that God has done and is doing in our children’s lives. How grateful I am. My heart is full of joy!
Gina